Paul Lester

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Paul Lester is the editor of Record Collector. He began freelancing for Melody Maker in the late 80s, and was later made Features Editor. He was a member of the team that launched Uncut Magazine, where he became Deputy Editor. In 2006 he went freelance again and has written for The Guardian, The Times, the Sunday Times, the Telegraph, Classic Rock, Q and the Jewish Chronicle. He has also written books on Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Bjork, The Verve, Gang Of Four, Wire, Lady Gaga, Robbie Williams, the Spice Girls, and Pink.

Latest articles by Paul Lester

Paul Draper: "I didn’t go looking to be a solo artist"

By Paul Lester published 1 August 17

After a turbulent career in Mansun, Paul Draper swapped the spotlight to go behind the scenes, writing and producing for other artists. But now he’s back with a long‑awaited debut solo album

Albums

Jeff Lynne's ELO at Wembley Stadium, London - live review

By Paul Lester published 27 July 17

Not yet rated

Electric Light Orchestra take flight at Wembley

Concerts & Shows

Cheap Trick: "We might not have progressed, but we started off pretty good"

By Paul Lester published 19 July 17

Not yet rated

Everyone’s third-favourite band play a hard-rocking set of classics and covers

Bands & Artists

Beyond and before: What the future holds for Yes

By Paul Lester published 27 June 17

Yes remain one of the busiest prog bands on the planet. In the year ahead they’ve got Yestival and another Cruise To The Edge to contend with – plus a new album? We catch up with all 5 members

Albums

Goldray at the Borderline, London - live review

By Paul Lester published 23 June 17

Not yet rated

Goldray and The Mothers Earth Experiment team up for a far-out live experience

Concerts & Shows

Meet Eric Gales, the guitar world’s best-kept secret

By Paul Lester published 22 June 17

Praised by A-listers, but with decades lost to drugs and trouble with the law, Eric Gales is back, and ready to again be the player Joe Bonamassa has called “the best"

Interviews

Heliocentrics - A World Of Masks album artwork

Heliocentrics - A World Of Masks album review

By Paul Lester published 21 June 17

Not yet rated

Eighth album from Syd Arthur-related London funk psych jazz collective Heliocentrics

Albums

Public Service Broadcasting - Every Valley album artwork

Public Service Broadcasting - Every Valley album review

By Paul Lester published 20 June 17

Not yet rated

We’ve been to war. We’ve been to space. Now South London’s electronic maestros Public Service Broadcasting find themselves in tune with the heart and soul of the British working class

Albums

Cover art for Lindsey Buckingham And Christine McVie - Lindsey Buckingham... album

Lindsey Buckingham And Christine McVie - Lindsey Buckingham... album review

By Paul Lester published 14 June 17

Fleetwood Mac, minus Stevie Nicks

Albums

Pretenders at the Royal Albert Hall, London - Live Review

By Paul Lester published 31 May 17

Not yet rated

Chrissie Hynde and co. deliver the timeless hits and more

Concerts & Shows

The Outer Limits: How prog are Temples?

By Paul Lester published 23 May 17

They’re the small town psych rockers who want to create a sound without borders and their new album was influenced by Peter Hammill. So we have to ask: how prog are Temples?

Albums